The 108th Targa Florio begins, this year Polizzi in the spotlight

Last Updated: May 9, 2024

The Automobile Club of Italy and the Automobile Club of Palermo today officially announced, during a press video conference, the launch of the 108th edition of the Targa Florio, a prestigious motor event that will take place this weekend between Palermo and the Madonie. The Sicilian race will be valid for the Sparco Italian Absolute Rally Championship, for the Italian Historic Car Rally Championship, for the Italian Regularity Historic Car Rally Championship and for the Italian 8th Zone Cup, in a mix of validity that elevates this event to the role of undisputed protagonist in the Italian rally scene. The presentation featured Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Automobile Club of Italy; Roberto Lagalla, metropolitan mayor of Palermo; Giuseppe Di Maggio, mayor of Campofelice di Roccella; Gandolfo Librizzi, mayor of Polizzi Generosa; Giuseppe Lucio Maria Preti, councilor of the Municipality of Termini Imerese and Marco Rogano, general manager of Aci Sport Spa. “It is important to recognize – said Sticchi Damiani – that the transition from the speed version to the rally has allowed to keep the flame of the Targa alive. This event allows us to continue the tradition and affirm the prestige of this race, also handed down through the Classic Targa Florio, which represents even more the historical race for its characteristics. The most important rallies in Europe increasingly have a regularity race alongside, an additional element in this competition in recent editions and also renewed this year. These are not only competitive events but also to offer a show with the same cars that have animated these places in the past. They are all initiatives aimed at keeping alive the passion for an event symbol of Italian motoring such as the Targa Florio.” “Designing the route of this edition – added Rogano – has been an exciting challenge, giving life to a technical and selective track that retraces famous sections and others full of novelties.” At the end of the press conference, there was a moment of reflection to remember the victims of Casteldaccia. Tomorrow, May 9, is the first day of this edition. This year Polizzi is in the spotlight for the special stage of the Generosa, a technical stage of 2.2 km that will start from the Hermitage and arrive right inside the town along the serpentine road leading to Piazza XXV Maggio at the height of the football field. Closed roads, surveillance and safety measures to witness the passage also thanks to the support of big screens. Stands have been set up to favor spectators. So much joy for the entry into the historical center of the rally cars that will compete touching the Madonie, speeding through the wonderful landscapes. “This is the first time for us – says the mayor of Polizzi, Gandolfo Librizzi -. In many years it had never happened. It was an agreement between the Municipality and Aci sport. This nice dialogue has led to such a nice result: we see our city transform into a stage for the Targa Florio. The race will enter the heart of the city for the first time. It is a tribute to our cultural heritage and testifies to the deep bond with the legend of this event. A great party for everyone, a moment to cherish in memories for which we are working tirelessly.” The administration, businesses, associations, volunteers, everyone has mobilized to provide proper hospitality in these three days. “This is very important for us – says Eddy Borgese, sports councilor of Polizzi -. We will have the attention of the entire national automotive world. It is a very nice way for the return of the country’s image. Five television stations will report the various moments in real time. Opportunity also to enhance the monuments giving attention to cultural identity, prestige to the historic center. We hope that in the whole ensemble that has been created there will be good responses and many launch possibilities for everyone. This is important especially from a tourist point of view.”